Yes, patio season is here, which also means rooftop season has started. While some hot spots offer a literal elevated experience all year long, others only open the doors, and the pools, after Memorial Day. The time is now, so go out in Denver and catch a great view to go with your meal.
Bar Tropical at Pindustry
New on the scene is Bar Tropical, the tiki-inspired rooftop bar on top of Greenwood Village’s Pindustry, a haven of eatertainment. With plenty of cornhole boards available to rent, hula hoops to take for a spin, and frozen cocktails, there’s plenty to do. Guests can order food from the regular menu too, and take their Sweet Chili Shrimp and Cubano with a side of the city’s skyline. 7939 E. Arapahoe Road, Greenwood Village, thepindustry.com
Linger
There’s nothing new about Linger, it’s been a popular restaurant in LoHi since 2011. But summer is coming, which means the tiered rooftop patio will be open for those looking for some alfresco views to go with happy hour, lunch, or dinner. The cuisine comes from around the world, with options such as steamed bao buns, skewers, the Smashed Wagyu Slider, and Hot Honey Street Fries. The rooftop area also serves one of Denver’s best frozés, along with other cocktails, beer, and wine. 2030 W. 30th Ave., Denver, ediblebeats.com
Tap Fourteen
Located on the roof of Hayter’s & Co. in LoDo, Tap Fourteen is great place to party outside, with a great view and drink in hand. It’s mostly a bar, boasting 70 Colorado craft beers on tap and claiming to have the largest selection of Colorado whiskey in Denver. 1920 Blake St., Denver, tapfourteen.com
Rare Bird at Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek
It’s time to take advantage of Rare Bird, the seasonal rooftop bar and restaurant atop Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek. This year you can check out items made in the open-air, wood-fired oven such as meatballs, grilled cheese, the venue’s signature Colorado pizza, and more.
Enjoy bites alongside a menu of craft cocktails and entertainment. Weekly events include pizza classes, trivia, rooftop poolside movie nights, industry nights, and the Bird Dog happy hour for guests and their four-legged friends (the first one starts June 30). Plus, all the views you can handle. 245 Columbine St., Denver, halcyonhotelcherrycreek.com
Cimera
Late last year, Cimera opened up on the roof of The Source Hotel + Market in RiNo, taking over the space that once housed The Woods. While the concept leans toward Latin American bites by executive chef Geoff Cox and bright cocktails, the views remain the same. Take a seat on the wrap-around outdoor porch, which is protected by tall glass walls so you can dine alfresco and take in the Denver cityscape no matter the season. 3330 Brighton Blvd., Denver, cimeradenver.com
Sorry Gorgeous
If looking for a swank cocktail lounge that also resides on a roof, well Sorry Gorgeous is the place for you. The inside of the bar is just as beautiful as the view, and when you add on a signature drink the experience elevates even more. Dive a plate of mini tacos and a craft cocktails like the Chai Me a River (rye whiskey, Averna amaro, chai, lemon, and honey), and celebrate the season. Inside Novel RiNo, 1350 40th St., Denver, sorrygorgeousrooftop.com
54thirty Rooftop Bar at Le Méridien Denver Downtown
Order hand-crafted cocktails and globally inspired bites roughly 5,430-feet high at the aptly named 54thirty Rooftop Bar downtown. The setting proves casual, though after 6 p.m., only those 21-plus can enjoy the space. The menu changes seasonally, and though the venue is open most days, it’s dependent on the weather. 1475 California St., Denver, 54thirty.com
Rook at the Catbird Hotel
Last year Denver welcomed Rook, a clubhouse located on top of the Catbird Hotel in RiNo. Rook not only has the views, but also all the games such as backgammon, pool, card games, board games, and more. As you play, listen DJs spinning obscure jazz and dance tracks as the evening progresses.
The beverage menu features house creations such as a frozen Espresso Martini, Ranch Ranch Water with Hidden Valley-infused vodka, and zero-proof options like the Soft Power with white orchard tea, black pepper, sage, honey, and candied ginger. Food remains playful and easy with an adult “Lunchable”, elote grilled cheese, and Mexican fruit plate complete with Tajin. 3770 Walnut St., Denver, rookrooftop.com
Halo Rooftop Bar at the Kimpton Claret
One of the best views around can be had at Halo Rooftop Bar, which sits on the 19th floor of the Kimpton Claret. In fact, it’s a 180-degree views of the Front Range, Greenwood Village, and Cherry Creek Reservoir, means almost any spot you sit at will be perfect. Also on the roof, find outdoor fire pits, live DJs nights starting at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and elevated snacks such as truffle-laced chicken nuggets, shrimp cocktail, and a gorgeous ice cream sundae. 6985 E. Chenango Ave., Denver, halobardenver.com
Hey Kiddo/Okay Yeah
On top of id est’s bustling eatery in Berkeley is Okay Yeah, the rooftop space open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to close. There are only 15 first-come-first-served seats, so it’s an intimate and special spot. The menu proves simple with a bespoke cocktail creation suited to each person, and daily hand roll specials. 4337 Tennyson St., Denver, hk-oy.com
Stellar Jay at the Populus Hotel
When Stellar Jay opened on top of the beautiful Populus Hotel in Downtown Denver, it came with one of the best views of the capitol building and surrounding areas around it. Head up here any time of the year for a cocktail on the rooftop patio, and bites cooked over a live fire. Think the show stopping Bison Tomahawk with chimichurri, Bison Short Ribs, and Gnocchi with broccoli pesto and ricotta. Order a cocktail on tap, and head to the patio to watch the sunset reflect on gold dome. 240 14th St., Denver, stellarjayrestaurant.com
Bloom by Apple Blossom at Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver
This downtown hotel has a spacious top-floor rooftop with drinks and small plates cultured by the lobby restaurant, Apple Blossom. Dubbed Bloom, diners can order playful dishes such the Adult Happy Meal with chicken strips, The Dog with Buckner Family Ranch sausage in a locally made hot dog bun, and fries with all the dips. Open Thursday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m., guests can sit back in the plush seating and take in the stunning cityscape views. 1776 Champa St., Denver, hyatt.com
Avanti Food & Beverage Denver
Since opening in 2015, this LoHi foodhall has been the place to be for rooftop extravaganzas. One, the view of Downtown Denver is gorgeous, and two you can get drinks and food from a handful of vendors serving everything from pizza to burgers to donor sandwiches.
New this year is Shuck Brothers, located right on the roof and ready to serve oysters, lobster rolls, and other beach-side delights for the season. And, if it rains, enjoy the rooftop safely inside the building. 3200 N. Pecos St., Denver, avantifandb.com
Kisbee on the Roof at the Jacquard Hotel
Score a day pass to enjoy the pool, craft cocktails, and tasty bites at this Cherry Creek rooftop oasis. Rent a private cabana, or simply snag a lounge chair by the water. Live DJs enhance the mood every Friday and Saturday night, which is 21-and-up. Otherwise, all can enjoy the serene setting and gorgeous view of the mountains. 222 Milwaukee St., Denver, thejacquard.com
FIRE at The ART Hotel Denver
Head to The ART Hotel Denver to celebrate its 10-year anniversary with a series of curated events and experiences. Plus, there’s a great outdoor patio that’s as close to being on the roof as possible. Order a drink from FIRE, the property’s restaurant, and sip alfresco. 1201 N. Broadway, Denver, thearthotel.com
BurnDown
This South Broadway spot offers a view as vast as its interior’s square footage. The casual eatery is massive, some 24,000 square-feet over three floors, all centered around an atrium that resulted from a fire in 1978 that destroyed much of the building’s interior.
But from those ashes rose a restaurant bathed in natural light. On the second level, an open-air sun deck collects spillover crowds from around the venue, which includes an all-day lounge and acoustic stages. But the jewel in BurnDown’s crown is the roof deck, accessed from the indoor-outdoor third floor. The visage from up there is an all-encompassing front row seat to the Front Range. Plus, the view of downtown’s skyline is the little cherry on top of the umbrella drink you’re using to wash down the gastropub’s elevated bar food. 476 S. Broadway, Denver, burndowndenver.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Denver?
Denver's rooftop scene is packed with standout options. Stellar Jay at the Populus Hotel offers live-fire cooking and capitol views, while Halo Rooftop Bar at the Kimpton Claret delivers a 180-degree Rocky Mountain panorama. Linger in LoHi is a longtime favorite for frozés and global bites, and Rook at the Catbird Hotel is the newest addition with games and craft cocktails.
Where should I go for rooftop drinks with the best views in Denver?
For the most dramatic views, head to Halo Rooftop Bar at the Kimpton Claret for a 180-degree Rocky Mountain panorama, or Stellar Jay at the Populus Hotel for a stunning view of the capitol. BurnDown on South Broadway offers a front-row seat to the Front Range, and 54thirty Rooftop Bar puts you roughly 5,430 feet in the air downtown.
Which Denver rooftop bars are open to the public (not just hotel guests)?
Several Denver rooftops welcome the general public. Spritz Rooftop Pool Bar at the Sheraton Denver Downtown is open to the public via ResortPass cabana reservations. Avanti Food & Beverage in LoHi is a public food hall with a rooftop. Linger, Sorry Gorgeous, BurnDown, and 54thirty Rooftop Bar are also open to all guests.
What is the signature dish at Stellar Jay at the Populus Hotel?
Stellar Jay is known for its live-fire cooking, with the showstopping Bison Tomahawk ($145) served with chimichurri as its standout dish. Other notable items include charred asparagus ($16) and Ruby Trout ($31) with fennel gremolata and pickled fingerling potatoes.
Is Okay Yeah (Hey Kiddo) good for a date night in Denver?
Yes — Okay Yeah atop id est's Berkeley eatery is an intimate and special rooftop spot with only 15 first-come-first-served seats, open Wednesday to Saturday from 5 p.m. The bespoke cocktail menu, where drinks are tailored to each person, and daily hand roll specials make it a uniquely personal experience ideal for a date.
Does Rook at the Catbird Hotel have zero-proof (non-alcoholic) drink options?
Yes. Rook at the Catbird Hotel in RiNo explicitly offers plenty of zero-proof drinks alongside its house cocktails like the Rowdy Rowdy and Under Pressure, as well as frozen Espresso Martinis.
Which Denver rooftops are dog-friendly?
Rare Bird at Halcyon in Cherry Creek hosts the Bird Dog happy hour specifically for guests and their four-legged friends. Apple Blossom at Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver is also described as a pet-friendly rooftop, perfect for enjoying the dog days of summer.
What are the hours for Apple Blossom at Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver's rooftop?
Apple Blossom's rooftop at Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., making it one of the few Denver rooftops available for morning and midday visits as well as evening relaxation.
Is Clayton Beach Club open to the public?
No — Clayton Beach Club at the Clayton Hotel & Members Club is exclusively open to Clayton members and hotel guests every Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. The article notes this exclusivity makes it tempting to either join as a member or book a staycation at the hotel.
Which Denver rooftop bars are open year-round?
Stellar Jay at the Populus Hotel is explicitly open any time of the year for rooftop cocktails and live-fire bites. The Woods at the Source Hotel is also open all week for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Some others, like Rare Bird at Halcyon and 54thirty, are seasonal or weather-dependent.
